Business development associate

Ideal Aerosmith is a leading supplier of precision inertial guidance test systems, flight motion simulators, innovative defense solutions in support of the warfighter, and a premier provider of aerospace test engineering services, ATE system engineering, and quality contract manufacturing services to the aerospace industry. We're experts and we earn that title everyday with our customers through innovative engineering, manufacturing, and sustainment of world-class motion and electric test solutions and services.

Here, we don’t just solve complex problems - we redefine what’s possible. Every role at Ideal Aerosmith supports a lean culture through continuous improvement - ongoing, incremental enhancements to products, processes, or services aimed at reducing waste and boosting efficiency, customer service, and performance. With a team of skilled problem solvers and a culture that thrives on tackling challenges head-on, we are dedicated to our clients' success. Enjoy competitive benefits, a supportive work environment, and every other Friday off to recharge.

Ideal Aerosmith is seeking a motivated and growth-oriented Business Development Associate, Government Systems to support strategic growth across U.S. Government and Department of Defense customers. This role is ideal for a candidate looking to expand from marketing, communications, program support, or customer engagement into a business development and capture-focused career path.

The Business Development Associate will support customer engagement, opportunity identification, trade show and event coordination, market research, proposal development, and capture activities across the Government Systems portfolio, including unmanned systems, aerospace test systems, advanced engineering services, and emerging defense technologies.

This position provides a defined growth path into senior business development, capture management, and strategic growth leadership.

This role is remote with up to 50% travel and may be performed from North Dakota, Minnesota, Maryland, or Arizona.

Job Responsibilities

Business Development & Customer Engagement

• Support development and execution of Government Systems growth strategies.
• Assist with customer engagement activities across Government, military, and industry stakeholders.
• Coordinate customer visits, technical demonstrations, site tours, and industry engagements.
• Help identify emerging customer needs, capability gaps, and acquisition priorities.
• Maintain customer contact records and support follow-up actions.

Opportunity Identification & Pipeline Support

• Monitor RFIs, BAAs, OTAs, SBIRs, and other Government opportunity announcements.
• Support opportunity qualification and pipeline tracking activities.
• Assist in maintaining customer and opportunity databases.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.

Proposal & Capture Support

• Support white paper, presentation, and proposal development efforts.
• Coordinate internal reviews and collect technical content from engineering and program teams.
• Assist with capture planning activities and customer outreach.
• Support teaming discussions and industry partner engagement.

Marketing & Trade Show Support

• Coordinate Government Systems participation in trade shows, conferences, demonstrations, and customer events.
• Develop marketing materials, capability statements, briefing products, and customer-facing content.
• Manage event logistics and support post-event follow-up activities.
• Coordinate with corporate marketing to ensure alignment of branding and messaging.

Internal Coordination

• Work closely with engineering, program management, operations, and leadership teams.
• Support development of strategic growth plans and customer engagement campaigns.
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to leadership.
• Assist with CRM management and business development reporting.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Engineering, Political Science, or a related field.
• 3–8 years of experience in business development, marketing, communications, program support, defense industry operations, or related fields.
• Strong interest in U.S. Government and Department of Defense acquisition and technology development.
• Ability to learn Government contracting and acquisition processes.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident required due to ITAR-controlled work.

Skill Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Comfortable interacting with customers, senior leaders, and technical personnel.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into customer-friendly messaging.
• Self-starter with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and presentation development.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to travel domestically up to 25%.
• Ability to attend trade shows, customer meetings, flight demonstrations, and industry events.

Career Growth Path

This position is designed as a developmental role within Government Systems. Successful candidates will gain exposure to customer engagement, opportunity shaping, proposal development, capture strategy, and Government acquisition processes. Over time, the position may evolve into Business Development Manager, Capture Manager, or Strategic Growth leadership roles supporting Ideal Aerosmith's expanding Government Systems portfolio.

Salary Range

$60,000-80,000 Annually

This salary range represents a good faith estimate of the base compensation for this position. Actual base compensation will be determined based on multiple factors, including location, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, experience, education, skills, and prevailing market conditions. In exceptional cases, compensation above this range may be considered based on experience, skills, or business needs.

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance. Overtime eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with federal and state law.

Ideal Aerosmith additionally offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes health, dental, vision, and voluntary benefits; 401K with company match; company-paid holidays; and paid time off for vacation and personal time.

Ideal Aerosmith is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our goal is to create a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion, where all employees feel respected and valued. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and strive to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone.